Salon Management student’s positive outcome

East Sussex College student and salon owner, Jo Geering, returned to ESC to complete her Level 4 Salon Management qualification and has now seen her work published in blog form on the leading industry website, the National Hair & Beauty Federation (NHBF).

Very few positives come to mind when we think of the global pandemic and the disruption it had on lives over the last two years. However, Jo’s research project for her course, looking into the positives that have emerged from the global crisis, has been showcased on the highly regarded NHBF website.

Speaking about her blog featuring on the industry website, Jo said, “I hope it will inspire others, either to look towards a better future for themselves or even return to the industry. When we were given the assignment on the effects of Covid-19 on our industry, I wanted to look at a different perspective.

“There has been a lot of focus on the negatives surrounding Covid-19. I wanted to highlight that with every negative there are positives too. I hope that by looking at the positives, it will inspire both myself in the future and others too. Seeing the positives, and knowledge gained that the industry could recover, I hope it will give light and hope to others that may still be in a dark place or struggling daily."

Jo owns and works full-time in her salon, and returned to study at the College 22 years after completing her NVQ Level 1 and 2 course in Hair and Beauty. She told us, “I received one of your flyers advertising the Level 4 course through my salon door.

“I own and work full-time at my salon, Shape Hair and Beauty. I am very lucky to have wonderful staff who I can rely on and with their support I’m able to make sure I can attend college. I manage to fit studying in and take advantage of quieter times around home life to work on my assignments.”

Despite already being a successful salon owner at Shape Hair and Beauty, Jo has developed her knowledge and skills even further since continuing her studies at East Sussex College.

“I have gained a better understanding of managing employees and their rights along with business practices and management. Practically we are learning new colour techniques/trends and colour theory too.”

She added, “Even though I have been in the industry for many years I am still learning new things every day, which will help me grow my talents and my business, to strive and succeed for a better future."

Jo was full of admiration for the support she has received from her tutors since enrolling onto the course and said, “My tutor [Allan Hyatt] is fantastic. He is very supportive and knowledgeable, with a ‘nothing is too much trouble’ attitude. His passion for teaching and hairdressing is always apparent, which gives me the motivation to succeed. To have his support and know that if I have any worries or doubts, I can get in touch, and he will be on hand to help quickly.”

Salon Management Level 4 tutor, Allan Hyatt, was also full of praise for Jo’s impressive achievements and said, “It is an honour being Jo’s tutor and a joy to assess her work. Jo gives 100% at all times and works to an extremely high level setting the bar for others to follow. Jo is very logical and academic.

“It is amazing what Jo is achieving and we are very proud to have her as part of our Level 4 student team. Jo is very forward thinking and will make a success of anything that she tackles.”

Allan helped create the course and encourages people to get involved. He said, “I designed this course to help people move into management or ownership. They will be able to identify their own current management style and make plans to move forward to make a success of their career but also to be a super effective manager.”

If you are interested in following in Jo’s footsteps and working towards a Level 4 Salon Management qualification, then please click here to find out more information.

To read Jo’s blog in full on the NHBF website, please click here.